When troubleshooting your hearing instruments think about what is happening.

• Input: The microphone picks up the sound

• ​Amplification and processing: The sound is amplified
  and processed internally

• Output: The loudspeaker (receiver) broadcasts the sound to your ear.

If the hearing instrument is dead:

• Check to see that it is turned on (M=Microphone or the normal on position)

• Replace the battery

• If you have a wax guard on the tip of the earpiece, replace it:

• Custom Hearing Instrument: Replacing the Wax Guard

• Receiver in the canal (RIC) style: Replacing the Wax Guard

• Clean the sound outlet (where the loudspeaker is located).  This is the part of the hearing instrument that goes into your ear.  It frequently becomes blocked with wax.  Use a soft brush to remove wax and debris.  Never push sharp objects into the loudspeaker housing as this may permanently damage the hearing instrument.  If you are unable to remove the debris yourself, contact us for service.

• Clean the microphone opening,  The microphone is on the outside and may also become blocked with debris.  Use a brush or blow gently across it with air to remove debris.  Do not insert sharp objects as this may permanently damage the hearing instrument.

• Clean the battery contacts.  You may use a small amount of alcohol on a cotton swab to remove oil and debris from the battery contacts.

If your hearing instrument whistles

• Reposition the hearing instrument.

• Check your ears for excess earwax (cerumen).

• Contact Audible Difference to have the physical fit of the instrument checked.  Your ears keep growing over time.  It is not unusual to need the fit tightened after a year or two of use.

If your hearing instrument is weak

• Check the microphone and receiver for debris.

• Check for occluding earwax.

• Contact us to determine if the decrease in performance is due to a change in hearing instrument performance or a change in your hearing.

If your hearing instrument is intermittent

• Clean your battery contacts.

Tips for keeping your hearing instrument in good working order:

• Your hearing instruments will last longer if kept clean and properly serviced.  See us twice a year to have your ears and hearing instruments cleaned and checked.  Other tips to keep your hearing instruments in good shape:

• Use a desiccant or Dry and Store every night to keep the sound of your instruments crisp and clean.

• Moisture and heat are the enemies of hearing instruments.

• Remove the battery if you are storing the hearing instruments for an extended period of time (longer than a few days).

• Keep hearing instruments out of reach of pets and young children.

• Do not immerse in water (no showers or swimming with your hearing instrument).

• Remove your hearing instruments before going to the hair stylist.  Not only is moisture bad for your hearing instruments, but hairspray and chemicals found in the stylist’s shop are abrasive to the delicate microphones and receivers.